The King Kat Fishing Trail is back in St. Charles Parish Sept. 19 and 20. Registration is still open.
Hosted by Louisiana’s River Parishes Tourist Commission in partnership with St. Charles Parish Parks and Recreation and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the tournament will return for the third consecutive year to St. Charles Parish. The event will also feature a free fishing rodeo for kids from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Sept. 20 at the Bonnet Carre Spillway in Norco.
Denise Burrell, executive director for the River Parishes Tourist Commission, said 34 teams have registered for the tournament so far this year.
“Last year’s tournament had a total of 35 teams,” Burrell said. “We are encouraged by the strong response so far this year and expect registrations to continue coming in as the deadline approaches.”
The registration is capped at 50 teams, with an additional 10 spots reserved specifically for local groups. Burrell said she encourages teams to register as early as possible to secure their place and be part of the excitement surrounding this year’s tournament.
Teams should plan to bring all necessary fishing equipment and be prepared for a full day on the water. Anglers will fish in the Lac Des Allemands and the Mississippi River from 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the days of the tournament.
“They can expect a competitive but welcoming environment, cash prizes for the top finishers, and the opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors of Louisiana’s River Parishes,” Burrell said. “One of the unique features of this tournament is that 100% of the entry fees are divided among the top-placing teams, ensuring that all of the proceeds go directly back to the anglers.”
Last year, 37 kids participated in the King Kids Fishing Rodeo. At least 100 attendees were on-site for the event, including parents and guardians.
Kids should bring their own fishing equipment, but there will be a team there to assist kids with fishing. Kids who participate will receive some free items, including things like Bibles, rods, reels, candy, tackleboxes and T-shirts.
All participants in King Kids events will be entered into a scholarship drawing at the end of the year. Six kids will receive a $1,000 scholarship toward a college or trade school upon their enrollment.
“It’s always inspiring to see the kids’ excitement at the King Kids Fishing Rodeo, and we can’t wait to build on that energy again this year,” Burrell said. “We’re also eager to see which angler will catch the biggest fish and whether a new record will be set.”
